If your dog gets stressed when you leave, finding the right care can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down every real option — honestly — so you can pick what actually works for your dog.
In this guide
- House Sitting (Sometimes called “In-home pet sitting” where a Carer comes to your home)
- Home boarding (your dog stays with a carer)
- Traditional boarding kennels
- Doggy day care
- A trusted friend or family member
- A local dog-loving neighbour or community connection
- Quick comparison table
- Frequently asked questions
Anxious dogs are not “bad” dogs. They are dogs who feel safe in their routines and with their people. Putting them in the wrong care situation can make anxiety worse — but the right option can actually help. Let’s go through each one.
House Sitting (Sometimes called “In-home pet sitting” where a Carer comes to your home)
This is usually the gold standard for anxious dogs. Your dog stays in their own home, sleeps in their own bed, and eats from their own bowl. The only thing that changes is that a trusted carer is there instead of you.
Services like PetCloud let you search for police-checked, biometrically verified and Vet-endorsed trained pet sitters in your suburb. Every PetCloud sitter has passed a National Police Check through Australia’s Document Verification Service — the same system used by schools and aged care providers. It’s not just a tick box. You can also read verified reviews and message your sitter before you book.
Mad Paws and Pawshake have sitters who offer in-home pet sitting and may be worth comparing. Mad Paws has some sitters across Australian cities. Pawshake has individuals listed. Neither currently requires biometric identity verification, police checks, or vet-endorsed training at the same level as PetCloud, but both carry host guarantees.
Why it works
- Dog stays in familiar surroundings
- Normal feeding and sleep routine
- One-on-one attention
- No travel stress for your dog
- You can share detailed care notes
Watch out for
- Can cost more than kennels
- You need to trust someone in your home
- Less available in very rural areas
- Quality varies between sitters
Best for
Dogs with separation anxiety, older dogs, dogs with health issues or special diets, and any dog that gets very distressed in new environments. Also great for multi-pet households where moving everyone is a logistical nightmare.
Pet Boarding — your dog stays at the carer’s home
Your dog moves into the carer’s home for the duration of your trip. A good home boarder treats your dog as part of the family — they hang out on the couch, go for walks in a new neighbourhood, and get personalised attention.
This is a solid step up from kennels for anxious dogs, because it’s still a home environment. PetCloud lists verified home boarders across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and regional areas. Mad Paws and Pawshake also have home boarding networks.
The key is doing a meet-and-greet beforehand. A good carer will welcome this. If a carer skips this step, that’s a red flag.
Why it works
- Domestic, calm environment
- Personal attention from one carer
- Often cheaper than in-home sitting
- Your dog gets company all day
Watch out for
- New smells, sounds, other animals
- Some carers take multiple dogs
- Your dog has to adapt to a new space
- Quality varies a lot between carers
Best for
Sociable anxious dogs who do okay with new places but struggle when left alone. Also good for dogs who would be bored or lonely with just one overnight check-in visit. Ask the carer upfront: “Will my dog be the only dog staying?”
Traditional boarding kennels
Boarding kennels are the most well-known option. Your dog has their own run or pen, with set feeding times and regular exercise. Staff are usually experienced and some kennels are genuinely excellent.
The honest truth, though, is that kennels are hard for anxious dogs. The sounds of other dogs barking, the unfamiliar smells, and the lack of one-on-one time can spike anxiety levels. Some dogs spend the whole stay in a state of stress.
That said, some dogs actually do fine in kennels — especially if they’ve been going since puppyhood and the staff know them well. Premium boutique facilities that offer one-on-one time and enrichment activities are a much better choice than a basic concrete run.
Other options like Hanrob Pet Hotels could be worth considering.
Why it works
- Licensed and regulated facilities
- Staff on site 24/7 at good kennels
- Clear structure and routine
- Vet access sometimes on-site
Watch out for
- Noisy and stimulating environments
- Little individual attention
- Can be traumatic for anxious dogs
- Big price range in quality
Best for
Dogs who have been to kennels before and handled it well, or confident dogs who are social with other animals. Not recommended as a first-time experience for a dog who already shows anxiety signs at home.
Vet tip
If your dog has severe anxiety, talk to your vet before any boarding stay. Short-term anti-anxiety medication during a boarding stay can sometimes make the difference between a dog who copes and a dog who doesn’t eat for three days.
Doggy day care
Doggy day care is drop-off care during the day — your dog comes home at night. It’s not a boarding solution on its own, but it’s worth knowing about for anxious dogs because it can actually help build confidence over time.
A well-run day care gives your dog structured socialisation, playtime, and rest. Local independent centres and pet care chains exist across most Australian capitals. Some pet sitters on PetCloud also offer drop-in visits and day care, which is a flexible middle ground.
The catch: busy, noisy day cares can overwhelm dogs who are already anxious. Look for centres that do a temperament assessment first and group dogs by size and energy level.
Why it works
- Dog comes home each night
- Great for dogs anxious about being alone
- Can build social confidence over time
- Useful alongside in-home sitting
Watch out for
- Not a full boarding solution
- Overwhelming for shy dogs
- Can spread kennel cough and illness
- Quality varies enormously
Best for
Dogs with separation anxiety who are fine with other dogs. Also great as a regular routine to get your dog used to being away from you before a longer trip. Combine with in-home sitting at night for a complete short-trip solution.
A trusted friend or family member
If you have a family member or close friend your dog already knows and loves, this is often the best option of all — especially for anxious dogs. The dog recognises the person, feels safer, and the carer already knows the dog’s quirks.
The problem is that not everyone has this option available, and even when they do, relying on a friend for a two-week holiday is a big ask. It can also put strain on relationships if something goes wrong — a dog being sick, escaping, or refusing to eat.
Why it works
- Dog already trusts the person
- Flexible and personal
- Usually free or a token gesture
- You can give detailed instructions
Watch out for
- Not always available when you need them
- No backup if they get sick
- Can strain friendships
- No formal pet care training
Best for
Short trips where a familiar person is willing and available. Works beautifully for anxious dogs who already have a bond with that person. For longer trips, it’s worth having a backup plan through a platform like PetCloud in case your friend’s situation changes.
A local dog-loving neighbour or community connection
Facebook groups like “Brisbane Dog Lovers” or local neighbourhood apps sometimes surface dog lovers willing to help out informally. Some are fantastic. Some are not.
The big risk here is no vetting, no insurance, and no accountability. If something goes wrong — and things do sometimes go wrong — there’s no platform standing behind the care. This matters most for anxious dogs who may need calm, experienced handling.
If you do go this route, treat it like a job interview. Ask about their experience, check their home, and meet them with your dog first. And always consider using a verified platform for insurance coverage — it’s there for a reason.
Why it works
- Very close to home — minimal travel for your dog
- Often flexible and available short notice
- Dog may already know the neighbour
Watch out for
- No police checks or Vet-endorsed training
- No insurance if something goes wrong
- No formal backup plan
- Can become awkward if there’s an issue
Best for
Very short, low-stakes situations — a quick trip or half-day absence — where you already know the neighbour well and your dog is comfortable with them. For longer stays or dogs with significant anxiety, a verified platform is the safer choice.
Not sure which option fits? Try this quick check
What does your dog do when you leave the house?
